A distinguished architectural team comprising Sordo Madaleno, építész stúdió, and Buro Happold has been selected to undertake the significant task of designing the new 43,000-square-meter Natural History Collection Center in Debrecen, Hungary. This ambitious undertaking is part of a broader urban and academic development initiative in Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city, which includes the relocation of the Hungarian Museum of Natural History from Budapest to the periphery of the Great Forest. The envisioned Collection Center is specifically designed for the secure storage and scholarly examination of over 11 million artifacts, its architectural concept rooted in the protective and preservative qualities of traditional Hungarian earthenware.
Situated within the University of Debrecen Science Park, approximately four kilometers from the future Natural History Museum, the center's design draws heavily on local craftsmanship and the historical use of clay in conservation. The building itself is an elongated rectangular structure, measuring 141 by 83 meters, with a stratified brick facade reflecting Hungary's diverse geological history. The bricks, crafted from soils sourced across the country, create varied tones that articulate the monolithic form, seamlessly integrating with the low-lying landscape and vast horizons. The internal organization prioritizes efficient storage, advanced research capabilities, and the enduring preservation of knowledge, featuring three upper levels and a basement. It includes vast collection storage areas, dedicated study spaces with conservation laboratories, and a striking triple-height atrium designed to host educational groups and researchers. The atrium also serves as a gallery for select museum pieces and lecture halls for events, while internal courtyards provide natural light and ventilation to staff workspaces.
The jury, selecting from a pool of twelve contenders, lauded the proposal for its ingenious synthesis of functional demands for scientific support with a clear focus on long-term preservation and research. The design's emphasis on sustainability, stringent security measures, and streamlined logistics for artifact handling positioned the center as a potential cornerstone for interdisciplinary scientific inquiry and global partnerships spanning fields such as geology, paleontology, zoology, and ecology. Architect Fernando Sordo Madaleno articulated this vision, stating, “The Center's staff are stewards of the objects, and the architecture becomes an extension of that stewardship. Within this layered ecology of care, the object is framed not as an isolated artifact but as an embodiment of life-worlds and landscapes that nourish reciprocal relationships. Our building reflects this mutuality, providing a space of unity between conservator, stakeholder, architecture, and environment.”
This pioneering project for Sordo Madaleno in Europe not only signifies a remarkable achievement in architectural design but also embodies a profound commitment to the preservation of natural heritage and the advancement of scientific understanding. By creating a harmonious environment where historical practices and modern needs converge, the Debrecen Collection Center stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in fostering a deeper connection between humanity and the natural world, paving the way for future generations of discovery and appreciation.